Caledonian startups invited to compete on the climate

Caledonian startups invited to compete on the climate

For the first time, New Caledonia will be able to participate in the Space Challenge for Planet Earth. This kiwi contest proposes using satellite data to fight global warming. In the viewfinder this year, methane emissions. Registration opens May 18th.


In the large family of greenhouse gases we find, among others, carbon dioxide (CO2), the best known of which is methane. The latter would have a global warming potential 25 to 80 times greater than carbon dioxide. So it would be appropriate to limit its production. For this, you should already know where and how it is produced.

For large production, systems already exist thanks to satellites. For the little ones, it’s more complicated according to Carol Marshall, advisor to the Government of New Caledonia.“At the moment, there is no methodology to be able to detect it. However, methane production is not limited to agriculture. We can get it in wetlands, in landfills, with all that is waste… accumulated over all the land would have a huge impact.” “.

These small products are what you are targeting Space Challenge Planet Earth 2023. The contest has been run annually since 2020 by New Zealand Satellite Data Corporation space base. This year, for the first time, New Caledonia and French Polynesia can participate. In Caillou, the approach is supported by Government And sADECAL Innovation Department.

The visual for the 2023 edition of the Space for Planet Earth Challenge


The goal of the 2023 issue: Find an idea that would use satellite data provided by Space Base to detect, measure, and/or reduce these methane emissions. You don’t need to be an expert in data mining to get started. On the contrary, even. The competition targets high school students, students, and startups with less than 20 employees. They will be able to register online for free from May 18th.

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At the end of August, about twenty teams will be selected to join an incubator specialized in processing geospatial data. A unique opportunity according to Vaimua Muliava, the member of the government responsible for technological innovation.“There will be people from NASA, people who will accompany those who are chosen to formalize their idea, to articulate it, and then turn it into a solution.”.

Key to 6 finalists announced in March 2024, over 6 months support and funding from 70,000 to 1.7 million francs. Collaboration possibilities will also open up. The winner of the 2022 edition, for example, is now working with the Fiji government on carbon dioxide capture.

To register from May 18th to August 31st, click here

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